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Catching Nature

Read about people who catch nature in DuPage forest preserves.

    November 2, 2021

    Girl Bonds with Horses, Nature

    Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

    At 10 years old, Tessa Burritt has a full schedule. The fifth grader’s interests include softball, basketball, karate, art and horses.

    October 6, 2021

    Man Feels Spiritual Connection to Nature

    Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

    Bryon Pulliam has been a public high school special needs educator for nearly 20 years. In that time, he has also worked in various levels of sport and recreation, from middle...

    August 31, 2021

    Artist Paints His Vision of Nature

    Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

    After working for 45 years as an architect, Ratindra Das took up painting in retirement. He’s now a nationally known artist, educator and juror who travels the world leading...

    August 10, 2021

    Man Finds Peace Among Horses, Nature

    Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

    When Lazaro Lara is struggling with something — be it his physical, emotional, psychological health or even social well-being, working with the Danada horses as a volunteer is his...

    July 20, 2021

    Couple Explores History in Preserves

    Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

    Brian and Joyce Ostberg are interested in all things history — natural history, pre-history, and general history. In autumn 2020, they started a YouTube channel, dubbed BeHistoric...

    July 7, 2021

    Exploring Nature Has Many Rewards for Family

    Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

    Growing up, Nick Papineau got well-acquainted with nature thanks to his parents, who took him hiking, camping and hunting. The COVID-19 pandemic last year prompted Papineau to...

    June 21, 2021

    Nature Puts Life in Perspective for Man

    Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

    Nature helps put life in perspective for Melvin Godson and provides a way to disconnect from technology and daily stresses. It also helped him get through the pandemic.

    June 10, 2021

    Teen Birder Gives Back to Preserves

    Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

    Alex DeBear is a 16-year-old birder from Naperville. He has a deep love for all things nature related, including photography, citizen science and creating art with natural...

    May 26, 2021

    Nature Keeps Couple Physically, Mentally Active

    Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

    Nature and the outdoors help Rick and Lisa Hootman keep mentally, physically and socially active. They like hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, reading and attending academic...

    May 4, 2021

    Nature Provides Lifelong Learning for Teacher

    Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

    As a retired teacher, it only makes sense that John Cebula continues to teach. He’s active in the DuPage Birding Club and presents many bird-related program throughout the area.